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Events News Press
XIII Leeuwarden
Public Symposium 16 December, 2023

Gender Freedom - a discussion

Noorderlicht
Discussion • Gender freedom in modern day Europe

Public access

Yes

Tickets

Free to all

Venue

Stationskwartier, Snekertrekweg 1, Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Date

16 December, 2023 @ 14.30

Each city partner across its 16 European countries will host a cross-sectoral symposium exploring the relationship between the city and its Ulysses inspired ARTS & SOCIETY theme – migration, democracy, mental health, environmental pollution, social co-existence, sexual equality and freedom of speech, amongst others. In June 2024 all partners will gather in Dublin to discuss the outcomes of the city symposia and a statement will be published in late 2024, structured in the form of 309 questions and possible answers (as inspired by episode 17 of Ulysses) regarding the role of Arts & Society in a better future Europe. 

The so called ‘woke’-movement, in which the LGBTQ-discussion is vivid, is very prominent in the media. However it also divides people. We wanted people from both groups, supporters and critics, to meet.

On December 16th a symposium will took place in collaboration with COC Fryslan, an organisation working to promote the interests of lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBTs) and Tumba, a knowledge centre for discrimination issues, diversity and equality. 

Photo reproduced with kind permission of Roze Zaterdag 16/10/2021 © Hoge Noorden / Jacob van Essen

Our symposium “Gender Matters,” was an inspiring event in which we focussed on dialogue about gender and sexual freedom.

This symposium provided a unique opportunity to learn more about current gender issues and the diverse perspectives of our renowned speakers. Following the presentations, there was room for questions and discussion, as we strove for an open and inclusive dialogue.

Speakers:
1. Mounir Samuel: Writer, journalist and speaker on gender identity and diversity.
2. Gizem Aksu, Can Candan and Gülen Güler: Leading Turkish filmmakers who offered insight into gender issues from their cultural perspective.
3. Peter Rombouts: The issue in motion; Peter Rombouts gave a dance performance based on the gender issue.
4. Arjan Hut: Frisian poet who wrote a poem especially for this symposium and recited it.

The symposium was co-funded by the Gemeente Leeuwarden.

6 SEP – 17 DEC 2023 | STATIONSKWARTIER
SNEKERTREKWEG 1 | LEEUWARDEN

Our symposium took many forms, culminating on 16th December with an informal session during which people shared their thoughts on the theme of gender freedom in modern day Europe.

One of our actions was to circulate this postcard around the city, as well as to target specific groups for their thoughts. We were interested in all opinions and welcomed everyone’s input! (The postcards were also available at the exhibition location)

Photo credit: Mitch de Pon